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Atheistic Denomination Struggles To Fill Void Left by Founder’s Death
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More in NewsWhen hundreds of practitioners of Humanistic Judaism convene in Michigan this weekend, the absence of their movement’s founder, Rabbi Sherwin Wine, is sure to be deeply felt.
For nearly a half-century, Wine was the leader and public face of Humanistic Judaism, a tiny, mostly American movement that celebrates Judaism as a culture, while eschewing a belief in God. A community builder known for his prolific output as a writer and speaker, Wine was immersed in the planning for this weekend’s symposium, the subject of which is Jewish-Muslim relations, when he was killed in an automobile accident last July at the age of 79. Now, 44 years after the rabbi began tending to his flock of Jewish nonbelievers, the movement he left behind is experiencing something of a sudden-onset adolescence, as a new generation of leaders struggles unsteadily with its reins. Indeed, Wine’s name remains listed on the upcoming program as a facilitator — a reminder of the void his supporters are now rushing in to fill, both spiritually and practically.
“Sherwin’s only been dead for three months, and everything [for the colloquium] was in his head,” said Rabbi Miriam Jerris, 58, community development coordinator for the movement’s American umbrella group, the Society for Humanistic Judaism. In the past few months, Jerris said, there has been “a lot of reorganizing and people taking on certain responsibilities that we have not taken on in the past, but which we are all trained to do.”
Wine began his career as a Reform rabbi with a pulpit in Windsor, Ontario, but found himself facing an existential crisis at the dawn of the 1960s, brought on, he later explained, by the realization that he “wasn’t comfortable talking to a God [he] didn’t know existed.”
Wine began to pass the torch during his lifetime. In 1985, he founded the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, the leadership-training body of the movement. In 1999, the movement ordained its first rabbi, Tamara Kolton, with seven others having since followed her. But while Kolton, 37, took over leadership of the movement’s flagship congregation, the Birmingham Temple in suburban Detroit, from Wine in 2003, the founding rabbi remained the driving force behind other movement programs. After his retirement from the pulpit, he continued to serve as dean of the international institute, which is now under the leadership of Rabbi Adam Chalom, 32, who grew up in the Birmingham Temple and was ordained in 2001.
Despite the sudden change in leadership, supporters like Jerris say they are confident that Humanistic Judaism — referred to by some as Judaism’s “fifth” stream — will both survive and thrive. At the Birmingham Temple, the initial eight-family congregation now numbers 400 families. There are now more than 30 humanistic congregations and 10,000 adherents across the United States, with new groups currently forming in Boston, Naples, Fla. and northern California. According to humanistic practices, the congregations hold holiday and regular Friday night “celebrations,” with the traditional liturgy altered to remove references to God, and with an emphasis on themes — like “love” or “courage” — that are drawn from a variety of sources, in addition to the weekly Torah portion.
Ultimately, the movement’s greatest challenges may prove, ironically, to be born of its own ideological success. In the decades since its founding, the Jewish mainstream has itself grown more pluralistic and flexible; for example, the new official Reform prayer book, “Mishkan T’filah,” itself draws from a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish sources, presenting them as companions to the traditional Jewish liturgy.
Humanistic Judaism “was born at a time when belief in God may have been more central and more controversial within Jewish society, and even American society,” said Steven M. Cohen, a research professor of Jewish social policy at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. “Now, we live in a time when, for Jews at least, God is less controversial, so people don’t have to choose up sides as firmly as they did in the past. Probably, most Jews in America affirm a nominal belief in God, but God doesn’t play a major role in their thinking about what it means to be a Jew or even a good person.”
At the same time, even as a new generation assumes leadership — seven ceremonial leaders from North America and Israel will be officially ordained at this weekend’s colloquium — the movement’s liberal zeitgeist has introduced the possibility that its new leaders may not devote their time solely to promoting a Jewishly specific humanism. One of the movement’s most promising young leaders, Rabbi Greg Epstein, 30, has devoted himself to serving as a secular, ecumenical, humanistic chaplain at Harvard University, where students sometimes call him “reverend” and where he performs lifecycle events rooted in a array of cultural traditions.
“Humanistic Judaism is so valuable to me because it affirms me when I’m with it, and when I’m not,” Epstein said. “It doesn’t make any judgment about me because one week I may want to be in a Jewish community and another week, I may want to be in a culturally diverse community. It affirms that that is part of who I am as an American, as a free person.”
Comments
This movement sounds realistic
I met Rabbi Chalom and I only wish he would return to the authentic Torah truths his ancestors in Aleppo kept for centuries!
Compare the growth rate on the one hand of the Humanistic Jews and the ultra-Orthodox Jews. Ironically even Darwin could tell you which group will be more young and numerous in the future (the median age in Kiryas Yoel is 15-what's the median age of Humanistic Jews?)
I'm a member of the City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism in New York City. While we mourn Rabbi Wine's death, we celebrate his forethought in preparing so thoroughly for the day when he would not be here. As you note, our movement has ordained and continues to ordain new rabbis, who will lead us in the years to come. We, as congregants, have felt no pangs of struggle within the leadership since Rabbi Wine's death.
A person calling themselves Jew and does does not beleive in HaShem, brings a question to mind. Are they really a Jew? How can we say we are Jews when our Jewishness comes from the Creator of the Universe? Why do we continue to anger Him as our forefathers tested Him in the wildnerness? Certainly prophecy has come to pass where He has delivered back as a nation again and protected us. We have not done this ourselves. By strong Arm He has delivered us fro our enemies. I understand this is a faith walk in our lifecycle, but we must begin the walk with a step. Anything else of our own actions-Humanism-will cause us to doubt and fall. How great is that fall when we look back at the Diaspera? His Torah is ours to Love and to Live.
I'm probably the last person to write anything critical about "Humanistic Judaism",which I still regard as a fraud(Brian Schiff,'Renegade Rabbi'The Detroit News/ Sunday March 9,1986/the story won an award from the Detroit Press Club).Sherwin Wine was no great loss;he was-if anything-the second coming of Mordecai Kaplan,who founded "Reconstructionist Judaism"-but to his credit,was a founder of the Jewish Community Centers.For anyone who defines "Humanistic Judaism" as Judaism,I credit them with consistency if they recognize Jews For Jesus as Judaism-or my own group,Jews For No Underwear.
Calling Rabbi Wine an atheist and the movement he founded atheistic is false. Secular humanistic Jews do not preach atheism, although many of us are atheists. We view God as irrelevant to our Jewish identity, which we base on history, culture, ethics and kinship.
I am a leader of a secular Jewish society in New Jersey and I conduct holiday programs and Sabbath celebrations. We delibrately avoid God language, blessings and prayer, but we never preach atheism and we do not turn away believers.
Your reporter made a serious representation and should issue a retraction.
Finally please know that in addition to Wine's Society for Humanistic Judaism, secular Jewishness in North America is also represented by by the Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations adn the Workmen's Circle.
Sherwin Wine(for anybody who can read)called himself an atheist-and also said "God is irrelevent"(which is a distinction without a difference for anybody who can read).See my email above(for anybody who can read-I'll win the lie detector test-and the fight after school).
"For anyone who defines "Humanistic Judaism" as Judaism,I credit them with consistency if they recognize Jews For Jesus as Judaism-or my own group,Jews For No Underwear."
Absolutely. And let's make sure to include that cult of heretics that believes the Moschiach is currently shuckling in his mausoleum in Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, or the fanatical sect of so-called Syrian "Jews" that simply ignores relevant halacha governing conversion in favor of some sick notion of maintaining pure Jewish blood.
Just plain disgusting, eh BS?
Judaism isn't about "pure Jewish blood" DS,it's about values.I am not crazy about the Neturei Carta "as Jews";I define 'Judaism' to be a religion based on God(who put us here,relates to us/is relatable to),Torah and Israel.Outside of that,things move into "ethnic opinionism" real quick.In any case,DS,I'm not interested in converting you.
I am always dismayed by the vitriol spewed by those who see the world and humankind as a monolithic, one dimensional phenomenon. In their view Judaism is about "shockling" and pretending that there's something out there that protects us from evil. Some protection! At least Jewish Humanism celebrates Jewishness as something real, without mind-numbing exercises in avoiding reality. As for the comment of B. Schiff, I suggest that he change his underwear more often.
One day all the world will have one relationship with Ha Shem and He will rule and remake this world during the 1000 year millinum. Our duty as Jews is Kiddush Ha Shem-Santify His name in the earth and amoung the people. Our job as Jews and Christians is to spread this doctrine and occupy until He comes again. Our diaspera is over and we must obey His instructions in Torah. Read it for yourselves, not just in the assembly.
Norton,I remember you when you made sense-and had a job-on 'The Honeymooners;that was awhile ago,which explains why you're the only Jew(?)that thinks this is about wearing a Superman cape.Also-I'm from Detroit and currently live in the adjoining suburb of Southfield."Humanistic Judaism" began here with eight families in '63 or '64 and has been endorsed-originally by The Detroit Jewish News(now JN)-which originally claimed or staged controversy as a marketing shtik.The "shockling" you're referring to may be about the Birmingham Temple practice of keeping the Torah in its library;I expect better taste from a rap "musician".When 'The Honeymooners' comes back,Norton,invent a "Humanistic Honeymooners Judaism" with no underwear.
Epstein is quoted saying; [“Humanistic Judaism is so valuable to me because it affirms me when I’m with it, and when I’m not,” Epstein said. “It doesn’t make any judgment about me because one week I may want to be in a Jewish community and another week, I may want to be in a culturally diverse community. It affirms that that is part of who I am as an American, as a free person.”]
Is there a better example of liberal foolishness gone amok? Surprise, another foolish non-Jewish Jew.
Sometimes he's Humanistic, sometimes he's not. Sometimes he's Jewish and sometimes he's not. Sometimes he feels like nut.......
What a bunch of nonsense!
Jews believe in God. I wish they would drop Judaism from their name and just call it Humanistic Atheism.
We never refer to “Reform Judaism” as “anti-halakhic Judaism”, even though it is; or to Conservative Judaism as “anti-reform Judaism,” even though compared to Orthodoxy it isn’t really conservative. We allow them to define themselves. So why can’t we be called “Humanistic Judaism” rather than “atheistic”?
Humanistic Judaism is not the 5th movement. The fifth denomination is the Renewal Movement, a hybrid of Liberal Conservative (I know that sounds like an oxymoron. But its not my fault that the Conservative movement named itself poorly) Jewish observance, Hassidic spirituality and progressive activism. Although there are no renewal shuls near me, its a movement that speaks to me spiritually, synthesizing the best aspects of the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform streams.
Humanistic Judaism on the other hand will always have limited appeal and would not interest me personally even if I decided I doubted the existence of a higher being. If I abandoned my belief in Hashem and became an agnostic or atheist I would cease practice of all religious ritual. Why bother? I have no interest in celebrating heavy East European cuisine as a basis for insincere observance. And I wouldn't need an organized group of non-believers to facilitate my maintenance of altruistic values.
Despite being a believer, I am not criticizing non-belief, as I do not criticize people more ritually observant than I am. Non belief is a legitimate view point. What I criticize is the need to build a religion around non-belief.
So do any of you guys and gals who are Humanistic Jews-"Unbelievers" read the Shema? It sorta points out a warning and condition not to be in as a Jew....Unbelief. I'm very concerned that you do not know this philosphy does not lead to present and eternal life. I will pray He reveals himself to you.
I'd like to comment on Jennifer Siegel's Oct. 17th article regarding Rabbi Wine. Humanistic Judaism is not mostly American, as we have chapters in South America, Canada, England, Russia, and Israel. Considering the fact that we've been in existence for less than half a century, I think our growth is commendable. But that issue aside, I find your article to be insensitive and slanted. For one thing, neither Rabbi Wine nor his followers "eschew" a belief in God. What we say, and what we've always said is that we don't know. And, for that matter, it isn't important since we must find within ourselves and within others the strength to live our lives with dignity and courage. If the slaughter of millions of Jews over 200 centuries is any indication of a caring and benevelent God, then it's obvious we need to make our own choices and accept the responsibility for those choices irrespective of the existence or non-existence of a supernatural authority. Naturally, Rabbi Wine was sorely missed at the Colloquium that occurred Oct. 19th-21st. How callous it would have been of us to take a blase' attitude toward one who has been our counselor,leader, inspirer and guide. Like losing a mother or father, ony the most insensitive would be indifferent. But the Colloquium went forward beautifully and the respect shown Rabbi Wine's memory touched us all. No one struggled. That the Jewish mainstream has begun to look at Humanistic Judaism as their expression of choice is a tribute to Rabbi Wine. Although for over 200 years others have expressed a secular perspective in their Jewish attitude or writing, only Rabbi Wine was able to "pull it all together" and create a movement with music, literature, litergy, life-cycle celebrations and holidays expressive of his secular, humanistic Jewish point of view. To quote from one of his writings, "We are here because we are Jews, because we are deeply attached to Jewish history and Jewish culture, because we have a strong commitment to Jewish survival. Our Jewish identity is not trivial. It is very important. It is so important to us that we have tied together our Jewish identity with our most profound personal convictions about life and morality. It is so important to us that we have helped to organize a new movement to give expression to our Secular Humanistic Judaism. It is so important to us that we have established a school to train the leaders of our present and our future. For us the heart of Judaism is no ancient book, no matter how important, because no book can comprehend the breadth and richness of the Jewish experience. For us the heart of Judaism is no single philosophy of life because Jewish history has always embraced many points of view. For us the heart of Judaism is the Jewish people, four thousand years of Jewish suffering and joy, four thousand years of loyalty and determination."
Rosalie;it's dishonest and disengenuous to claim that Wine wasn't an atheist(see my article in The Detroit News Sunday March 9,1986 'Renegade Rabbi' by Brian Schiff).Unlike Mordecai("God is a cosmic process"Kaplan who founded "Reconstructionist Judaism" and Jewish Community Centers(to his credit),Wine's only contribution to anything was in charging...I think 8 bucks to hear him do book reviews-and the invention of the term"ignostic" meaning 'Ah don' know what God is';Jews For Jesus also have a "Jewish identity".And it's a sad joke for Jewish atheists to claim it was the Holocaust that made them atheists.Be honest;religious people from any background didn't uniformally become atheists because of some disaster.More honest answers then the Holocaust are(a.)a murder;(b)Wine killed by a drunk driver in Morocco(c.)a hang nail(d.)was an atheist agnostic to begin with.
Yes, Brian, by your own words, you probably are the last person to write anything critical, since your article - your own preception - written 21 years ago - is on what you fall back. People change - events change - wisdom grows - maturity grows (hopefully). Your perception and the facts of the matter may differ, but you appear to be locked into your 1986 article and no one is challenging it, Brian. You need not work so hard to defend and convince. And you certainly need not be insulting and demeaning. The grace of a humanist is the ability to be polite and civil. One need not be Jewish to meet those criteria. Those of us who knew and learned at the table with Rabbi Wine spent days, weeks, months and years learning from him. None of us has the "khuzpa" to claim we "knew" his mind while you, upon an article you wrote 21 years ago, call yourself an expect on Secular Humanistic Judaism and on Sherwin T. Wine in particular. Sorry, Brian, you are not an expert and you certainly are not a humanist. Judaism has more than one point of view.
Rosalie;I thank God everyday that I'm not a secular humanist-Jewish or otherwise;there is no lamer philosophy in the world and nobody "in the real world" seriously regards (amoral)reason as dictated by The Birmingham Temple(BT)/"Humanistic Judaism".Regarding your statement regarding the civility of your "polite crowd" of secular humanists-and since you're claiming that BT has changed-do you still keep the Torah in the Temple library(bad taste even for rap "musicians")and do you still keep copies of the Temple journal in the library in which Wine dissed out Jewish religious groups who(at least on paper)adhered to Judaism's parameters of God,Torah and Israel?And does anybody actually read anything in the Temple library?You've acknowledged my article,so I'm assuming you've read the conclusion that Wine never read/gave a book review on 'Days of Sorrow and Pain',Leonard Baker's Pulitzer Prize winning biography of Rabbi Leo Baeck and Wine's teacher at Hebrew Union College(the Reform Rabbinical Seminary).And how about Neal Schecter's funeral officiated by BT's "rabbi" in the not too distant past(co-officiated by a cantor at a local suburban Detroit Conservative synagogue).BT's "rabbi" read a poem by some poet with an obviously non-Jewish sounding last name;so much for God and anything remotely Judaism oriented(unless this is some takeoff on the 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' episode where Larry David snatches a golf club from the deceased at a funeral).There is at least 6 parts to this funeral on Youtube(which anybody can see by typing in Neal Schecter;please forgive me Neal).In the 21 years since I wrote the article-and since you claim you've changed,try calling yourselves 'a social club for Jewish atheists,agnostics and ignostics'.Instead of that,earlier this year a staged/ uncritical photo of several "Humanistic Rabbi's"establishing themselves in Israel appeared in JN(formerely The Detroit Jewish News).Since they printed it,I guess they don't owe you an explanation like Jennifer Siegel(refer to your last post).
I am with the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Fairfield County, CT, and while we morn Rabbi Sherwin Wine's death, in no way are we struggling. Our congregation continues with bright enthusiastic people. We are definitely and unequivocally Jewish. There are several in the movement who could fill roles like Rabbi Wine, such as Rabbi Epstein, and including Rabbi Adam Chalom of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Highland Park, IL.